My sister and brother-in-law are in the process of moving from the large house where they raised their two boys for the past eighteen years to a much smaller cottage they designed and built to meet all their empty nest needs and wishes.

The daunting task of purging most of their stuff has gone to my sister. With her ever-present smile, she has quickly decided what goes to the new house, what gets donated, and what is trash. There are eighteen years of memories in those 4,000 square feet. Pictures drawn by the boys or toys they played with as toddlers have elicited “Ah’s and Ooo’s,” but she perseveres. She is embarking on a new journey: downsizing.

This new dwelling will be for the two of them. The boys will visit, they even have their own rooms, but it won’t hold their yesterdays. This is Ann and Mike’s hearth, where they will cherish the efficiency and simplicity they have created for themselves. Their nest will be smaller, yet oh so welcoming. This cozy bungalow with amazing views will help them visualize their own unique definition of home.

Oh, and if you want to find me, I will be on their back deck with a glass of wine in my hand laughing with my sister.

The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.